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Region 1 DVD Releases for February 6, 2007

Both Michel Gondry and Clint Eastwood came out with two films in 2006. What did you do?

Flags of Our Fathers

Don’t let the fact that the psuedo-sequel to this film, Letters From Iwo Jima, got all the awards-season love make you think of this film as its ugly stepsister. It’s more like Letters‘ not-quite-as-unbelievably-gorgeous, but-still-really-really-hot stepsister. Eastwood once again brings artful restraint to the telling of a violent tale, painting a complex portrait of heroes who wish to be considered anything but.

Strangely, this DVD does not appear to have any extras.

The Science of Sleep

One of the most overlooked films of ‘06, Eternal Sunshine helmer Michel Gondry’s foray into the world of dreams and one man’s sometimes endearing, sometimes irritating refusal to commit to a world outside of them ends up being one of the most imaginitive-yet-unflinching character portraits I’ve seen. It’s also funny as balls. As usual, Gael Garcia Bernal deserves an Oscar (or at least a nod) for his efforts.

Extras include a featurette on the creator of the film’s many animals and accessories.

Hollywoodland

What started out looking like the poor man’s Black Dahlia ended up getting better reviews, if worse box office. It even earned Ben Affleck a Golden Globe nod. There’s something you never hear. Extras include a featurette on recreating old Hollywood.

Running With Scissors

Speaking of unlikely Golden Globe nods, one went to Annette Bening for her performance in this film. Not unlikely because of Bening, but because of the film’s generally lousy reviews. Extras include “A Personal Memoir by Augusten Burroughs,” which is what I thought the film was.

The Grudge 2: Unrated Director’s Cut

Bringing in Amber Tamblyn failed to breathe any life into this sequel, which basically offered up more hiding places for creepy albino Japanese kids. Maybe if God spoke to Amber during the film, saying things like, “Look out for that creepy albino Japanese kid!” Just a thought. Extras on this cut include footage deemed “too scary for theaters” by the back of the DVD package.

More here.